Ageing Swiss not likely to burden society
One Swiss in three will be retired by the year 2040, according to new figures released by Switzerland's leading organisation for the aged, Pro Senectute. But the group argues that the elderly are unlikely to become a burden on society.
The figures come from Pro Senectute’s new publication, “The Elderly: the generation of the future”, which is aimed at answering questions on ageing and retirement.
The organisation says that by the middle of the 21st century there will be one retired person for every two people working.
The figures reveal the changing demographics of Switzerland’s population. Pro Senectute says that a century ago almost of half of the population was 25 or under. Today, that age group accounts for barely a third of Swiss residents.
By contrast, the number of people over 80 is rising steadily. By 2050, the Federal Statistical Office predicts that octogenarians will make up a 10th of the population, compared to just half a per cent a century ago.
Pro Senectute’s aim is to allay fears about the “greying” of Switzerland. It argues that the concept of old age has changed considerably during the past 30 years, and that the elderly are now far less likely to become a burden to society, largely because of improved health and increased independence.
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